History

About

Watford Football Club has a long and proud tradition of serving its community. It has established a reputation as a ‘Community Club’ – a club which actively provides a range of services to those who live in and around the area. It also provides a sense of community to everyone who supports the ‘Hornets’.

How did it all come about? Well it would be fair to say that at Watford the introduction of family areas, player appearances at community events and community activities was pioneered by the then manager Graham Taylor.

In the early 1990’s Watford FC established a Football in the Community Scheme. At the time this consisted of one member of staff who was tasked with using football as a way of increasing football participation whilst also promoting Watford FC.

Over time the popularity and growth of the activities offered meant that additional staff needed to be taken on. By 2002 the Community Scheme employed five full time members of staff as well as a large number of coaches working on a sessional basis.

The Community Scheme not only encouraged active participation in activities and events it also played an important role in addressing a range of social issues. As a result of the good work achieved a decision was made to turn the scheme into a charitable entity. The primary aim of doing this was to take the community work offered to a new level.

In April 2004 Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust was established, having been formally registered with the charities commission some months previously.

Since 2004 the Trust has gone from strength to strength, and in 2018 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a host of events and a commerative book. It now offers a hugely diverse range of activities which you will be able to find out about on this website.